Ogle so hard: Charlotte Olympia's Kitties

Not that kitty!  Get your minds out of the gutter!  I'm talking about shoes!  After the Marc by Marc mouse flats, I wasn't sure if any other designer would attempt the animal faced shoes again, but Charlotte Olympia did and the results are fantastic.

I would die for these shoes.  They are so incredibly cute.  The tiny little cat ears creeping up onto the foot are just the little touch that these needed to make them unique.  But this cuteness comes at a very hefty price.

The pumps just happen to be on sale and I can't even tell you how much turmoil my brain is in trying to decide whether or not I should buy those shoes. If it were the flats, it would be a no brainer.  OMG someone help me.  AHH I can't take it- these shoes are wonderful.

Ogle and Obsess: Crazy Amazing Wallets

I'm in the market for a new wallet.  After years of use, my pink patent leather Miu Miu wallet is ready to be retired.

While nothing is wrong with my wallet, you can see that there's a decent amount of wear and tear on it.  It's just been so loved!  It's got a lot of scratches and even some discoloration from who knows what (likely water damage and just overuse).  So, I started the search and MAN- I realized there are not a whole lot of fun and interesting wallet options out there.  A lot of wallets are really boring.  And black.  Or brown.  

So, now what?  Time to go color hunting -so out of character considering how much black I wear, but whatever!  My dad always told me that if I was staying in my comfort zone, then I was doing something wrong.  Thanks dad :).  So, here we go!

Pretty and simple Prada wallet

Bright and fun Comme des Garcons wallet

Though I said I would avoid black, I love Miu Miu and this wallet is adorable.

Speaking of adorable, look at this Marni wallet!

All of these are awesome replacement options for my currently fading wallet.  Now, if I get one of these, I'll just have to find some money to put in them because I will have spent it all on one of these wallets.  Sigh*  can't win 'em all.  Ogle and obsess away!

Obsess at First Site: Alexander Wang Clutch

On a recent shopping trip with a friend, we had found ourselves meandering through Soho for hours and feeling completely uninspired.  That's not to say there aren't some amazing fashions out right now, but nothing was really catching our eye.  We walked into Barneys Co-Op expecting to feel the same way when we walked out, but we were wrong.  Right before we walked out of the store, this magical fur of a clutch caught our eye:

The leather on this clutch is amazing luscious and while it looks small here, since it's like a wallet on the inside, it has a place for your money and your cards along with a cell phone pocket and a small side zip pocket to put some lipgloss and a compact.  That's pretty much all you need when you go out anyway.  It zips all the way around and it has metal corners.  It does come in a regular leather version, but the pony hair makes it look so much more luxe.  So incredible.  I LOVE IT.  I AM OBSESSED WITH IT.  I MUST find a way to own this.  Available now at Barneys Co-op.

Obsessssss....Avec Rings!

These are so adorable!

I love all the "j'adore," "amour" and "oui" jewelry that is out there, but I really like the idea of these "avec" rings.  If you don't know le francais, these translate to say "with you" (avec toi) and "with me" (avec moi).  So sweet.  

Available at Net-a-porter and they are on sale right now!

These would make great gifts!  They're by Mathais Chaize.  He has a lot of other very cute jewelry both in English and French.  While these rings are still a little on the pricey side, if you have someone in your life that you always want to keep with you in your thoughts, these rings are cute reminders.

Almost Ownable, but more for Obsessing: Fine Jewelry on LastCall.com

Cyber Monday has now hit LastCall.com big with an extra 40% off the site until 3:00pm EST.  There are tons of great deals on this site now that this extra discount can be applied, but something that caught my eye was the selection they had of fine jewelry.  Though I'm not the biggest Judith Ripka fan, I know a good deal when I see one.  Look at these:

Pretty canary gems would look great for the holidays to dress up a simpler dress.

Or this stand out pendant, which is such a delicate and pretty sage color.

Besides Judith Ripka, there are lots of other pretty, sparkly baubles on sale:

Like this KC Designs Diamond Cluster Necklace- this is such a classic necklace that I feel like you could wear this for years to come and layer it with other necklaces.

Cute Sydney Evans Handcuffs necklace.

OMG GORGEOUS Elizabeth Showers Ring.  I love the coral color here and the dainty band!  So pretty.

Another KC Design Necklace, but this one with a very pretty and simple white topaz gem featured.

AHHH buy now if you want the 40% off!

Ogle, Obsess, and Own: Cyber Monday

With the overwhelming number of sites out there advertising Cyber Monday Sales, here's my curated list of sites to hit up:

Tobi.com: 30% off everything with code "shopper30"
Scoopnyc.com: 30% off everything
Lastcall.com: 30%-40% extra off
AnnTaylor.com: 50% off everything with code "monday"
Outnet.com: Extra 20% off with code "thanksgiving20"
JCrew.com: Extra 25% off and free shipping with code "surprise"
Asos.com: Extra 20% off with code "HAPPYBLACKFRIDAY"
Yoox.com: Their sale will be ending soon!  Check in for up to 50%
Gap.com: Extra 30% off with code "HUGECYBER"

There are definitely a lot more deals out there, but I think just going through these sites will take up all of Cyber Monday!  Shop til you drop!

Owned! Black Friday Steals!

Though I hate the fervor that Black Friday creates, there really are great deals to be had! I took advantage of being anywhere but New York to shop a store I would never attempt if I were in New York. Saks Fifth Avenue. They opened Friday morning at 8am and I was gladly one of the first shoppers into the store.

Boy, am I glad I was!  Deals, deals, deals!  Yay!

After raiding the store's contemporary section and trying on anything and everything I thought I might possibly like and could get my hands on, here's what I walked out with:

I have wanted this James Perse Contrast Panel Shirt forever so when I saw it on sale it was a no brainer buy.  The shirts are a great fit because they have knitted panels on the sides so that the shirt sits tight against the body.  I love it!

I grabbed this BCBG silk crop top on my way to the register and I really wish that I had stopped to try it on.  While it is really cute in this picture, the shirt gapes a lot so you have to wear it with someone underneath it, which totally detracts from the sexiness of the shirt!  I'll have to find a way to really style this shirt.

I love this Vince Dolman Sleeve Silk top!  It's so simple and easy to wear.  So delicate and flowy.

This Theory Avanon Dress isn't really my style, but when I tried this on, it fit so perfectly.   Since it's such a simple fit, I figured that I could dress it up with fun accessories.  Also, it's perfect for the spring/early summer which is wedding season and this dress is perfect for weddings.

I walked out of Saks having spent less than $200!  Steals, indeed!  I did a little online shopping as well, but that was mostly for Christmas gifts.  I did get a chance to pick up this necklace which I had been eying since I wrote the NYE dress post.  It should be here any day now.  I love to share my shopping success stories!  

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!

I hope that everyone is able to spend today with friends and family to tell each other that they are all thankful for one another.  I am lucky enough to be home for the holiday and, I have to tell you, while I always think that staying home for Thanksgiving is going to be boring, it never is.  I'm always so happy to just feel like I'm at home- to walk around in my pajamas all day, to paint my nails any way I want, and eat until I pass out.

On Thanksgiving day when tons of people are coming over, I do feel the get a little more dressed up.  So, here's what I'll be rocking today:

Simple dress by T by Alexander Wang

Awesome statement neckalce by Tuleste Market

Over the knee boots by Alexander Wang (Fall 2010)

Simple, chic outfit.  This is going to do a poor job of hiding my unavoidable food baby, but hey, when traveling, I have a limited closet.  Hope you all have a great Thanksgiving full of food, family friends.

OBSESSED. CARTIER. LOVE. BRACELET.

Just saying.  I mean, in the grand scheme of things, isn't this worth the investment??

So classic.  So timeless.  So perfect.  

I hate being cliche and posting items like this because it's so obvious.  DUH people want this.  DUH it's expensive.  BUT, truth of the matter is, I really want this!  Maybe I'll start a fund dedicated to it.  This is going on the "princess" list for now- the day I become a wealthy princess, I will own this. :)

Must Owns. My Beauty Essentials.

While there are plenty of options out there when it comes to makeup, there are a few items that I have to always have in my arsenal.  ALWAYS.  Items that I would die without.  You know when people ask you what five things you would take with you if you were stranded on an island?  Well, if my goal on that island were to look good and fresh instead of surviving, then these would be the five:

1) Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer- Just the right amount of coverage.  If you want a natural look, this serves as a good base layer that isn't heavy like foundation.  It also has SPF 20 which is great for protecting your skin.

2) Bare Escentuals All Over Face Color in Warmth- My favorite bronzer.  The color isn't really as brown as most bronzers, but instead, it gives more of a glowy blush/bronzer look.  I love this stuff.  It also takes very little to get the color you want.

3) Sephora Liquid Liner in Matte Black- A must have.  I wish that I could wake up with this stuff on.  It creates a strong black eyeliner line and really brings out the cat-eye shape, which I am super fond of.  It's a great liner for dramatic eye makeup.

4) Covergirl Smoothers Concealer- I have used this concealer since I was in high school.  Because it's low cost, I have one in light and medium for my summer and winter skin tones.  I have this on me always.  You never know when that random pimple is going to show up.  This cover stick is full, un-cakey coverage.  If they ever stop making this, I don't know what I'll do.  Maybe I should hoard now...!

5) Sugar Lip Treatment in Rose- The lip gloss alternative.  It's not really a lip gloss because it's not as glossy as that.  It's not a lip balm because it's glossier than that.  It's not a lipstick because it's not that much color.  Whatever it is, it's perfect for every day wear and it has some SPF in it as well.

There you have it.  Which five makeup items would you take with you??

Own: J. Crew. Still Awesome.

Reasons why J. Crew is still kicking ass:

1) This adorable heart sweater 

2) This classic + calf hair handbag

3) Flats to rival Repetto (I know, I know...how dare I!...even I don't know)

4) This sweater that I want to just swim in

5) And of course, the widely tauted Edie bag (not to be confused with the Celine Box Bag).

There you have it.  Get over to jcrew.com for an additional 20% off, too! Use the code YOURGIFT.  Happy owning! :)  OR you could wait until Black Friday.  Who knows what discount that day might bring.

Winter Ogle, Obsess or Own: Gloves for all

Warm up those mitts!  It's time to find the most ogle-worthy hand duds.   There are a few questions that I always ask myself when I'm shopping for gloves:

1) Do these make me look like a butler, Princess Peach, or Michael Jackson?

2) Will I be sad if I lose these?

3) Will they keep my hands warm??

If my series of answers are no, no, yes then I'll usually buy the gloves.  The gloves featured here would be gloves that I would definitely be sad to lose, might not keep my hands warm and may hearken back to MJ a little, but I would still love them!  Gloves make awesome gifts, though I didn't think so as a child.  If you can find someone to give you these, I'd be envious!

For the demure lady:  Ogle these Valentino Bows!  So dainty!

Have a ski lodge bunny friend?  These Juicy Couture gloves would be really cute indoors, paired with a waffle knit top and some sweats.

For the trendsetter friend- leopard is STILL in right now (are you as surprised as I am?) and these Agent Provocateur gloves are just the right amount of sass.  Definitely for Ogling only.

For the prep that rock the Ralph Lauren Cable Knit sweater, these quilted Bally gloves would fit right in.

Speaking of Ralph Lauren, I think I've found the gloves for me:

These look so warm and cozy!  I like the shearling which creates a separated look between the jacket and the hand.  Oh yeah, that and I love cashmere cable knit from Ralph Lauren.  

If you could have any pair, which pair would it be?? 

Own! Statement Shoe from Ann Taylor!?

Coming home for Thanksgiving, I've rediscovered the suburban mall.  I had forgotten how nice it was to shop stores indoors and not have to dodge retail hungry tourists in Soho...anyway, I walked into a lot of stores that I haven't visited in quite some time.  Ann Taylor was one of these stores.

Surprised?  I am, too!  Ann Taylor is usually a little on the conservative side for my taste, but after passing by all the shift dresses and pencil skirts at the front of the store, I saw these on a display shelf:

These shoes were glowing.  They were calling out to me.  They were an almost electric blue calf hair gem in a sea of bland work wear.  Currently, Ann Taylor is doing a 40% off everything promotion which brings these statement shoes to a very affordable $150.  These would be amazing at a party with the standard American Apparel body-con dress, some fun stockings, and a bold necklace.

Ahhh I love these!  I think they might go on sale for Black Friday so I'll be sure to look out for them when I enter the mall stampede.

Ogle to Obsess to Own?? Black Friday buys

With Thanksgiving just days away, there are tons of things that I'm thankful for...including the infamous Black Friday.  This year, many Black Friday sales are going to be starting at midnight after Thanksgiving.  Also, with the increasing popularity of online shopping, you can even do most of your bargain hunting from the comfort of your own warm and comfy bed.  Even in your snuggie.

So what are the store that you are going to have to hit?  Do you have a list of things you have been ogling or obsessing over that you will finally own??

Here are some of the things on my list:

Blue and Cream: NYMag is posting that Blue and Cream, the store in the LES, is going to be marking down  to up to 75% on lots of well known brands.  They do have a site, but I'm not sure if their site will be featuring any Black Friday deals.  Either way, I think it's worth checking!  Here's the site.  Here's hoping that these things will go on sale:

 From Phillip Lim, Equipment and Iro.

Donna Karan: Usually really high ticket items will be reduced to very affordable prices with an extra 50% off sale items on Black Friday.  Obsessed with these:

 Wow and wow.

Kiehl's: From earlier posts, you guys know that I'm not big on hair product, but I've never had more good hair days than I have when I've used Kiehl's shampoo and conditioner.  For Black Friday, they're offering a 20% off code with FAMILY10.  $30 or more spent will get you free shipping, too.

Shopping aside, there are many other reasons why I am thankful

1) My amazing family.  My tough dad who always kept me out of trouble and never let me want for anything.  My loving mom who introduced me to diamonds and is going to teach me how to cook all the wonderful dishes she cooks.  My kid brother who taught me all the joys of Counterstrike and Final Fantasy.  My closest cousins who taught me the joys of pay back, how to properly use tape recorders, and how to examine clothes after purchase.

2) My boyfriend who has supported me in everything I do.  Blogging included.  Oh!  And he's promised me a pomeranian in the near future.

3) Friends that are like my family.  We even call each other family, take JC Penney Style family photos, are on each other's phone plans and have potlucks together.  I love them.

4) Vacation days.  I can do anything I want for the rest of the year!  Woohoo and three cheers for three day work weeks until 2012.

Own: NYE Dresses on the cheap

It's never too soon to think about what you're going to wear to ring in the New Year.  Everyone wants to look their best whether it be in sequins, lace, leather, or feathers!  The problem with New Year's Eve dresses is that they're usually racy and over-the-top i.e. dresses that you wear just once.  Plus, anything that's funky or embellished usually has a pretty tough price tag.   Luckily, asos.com exists.  Asos has a great selection of dresses and here are some of my picks for affordable NYE dresses:

I love this sexy red lace!  It's just enough skin peeking out to raise eyebrows, but not look slutty.  Hair pulled back with some classy pearl studs or these cute rose studs.

If you want to dress something up with accessores, then this gold sweater dress is the perfect canvas.  I would don a great statement necklace and some mile high platforms.  I think this might be the one for me.

I've never really been a fan of sequins, but this black sequins dress is really cute.  I think that the sheer parts are just enough to break up the sequins.  I also think it helps that it's in black so that the sequins don't completely overpower the dress itself. Fancy this up with a colorful cocktail ring.

 I love the color of this blue slit back dress.  With the belt, I don't really think this needs more accessories!

So many choices!  Which one is your favorite??  Let me know and you might be seeing me in it when NYE rolls around. :)  

Own it! If you liked the Penfield Jacket...

See the Penfield jacket in my post below?  Well, it might be at a sample sale (though not likely because it's this season...but you might find other stuff you like)!

 There are details on Racked, but here's the skinny:

Deal: Up to 60% off outerwear, shirts, and accessories

When/Where: Friday, November 18 through Sunday, November 20. Fri—Sat noon—7pm, Sun noon—6pm. Reed Space Annex, 151 Orchard St between Stanton and Rivington Sts (212-253-0588)

Link: www.penfieldusa.com

Ends: Sunday, 20 Nov 2011


Happy shopping!

Obsess: Winter Editions continued...the perfect winter jacket.

Continuing my prep for the winter, I'm now thinking about jackets.  I bought a great Dunderdon jacket last year at Barneys and I don't really need a new jacket, but it never hurt to look!  Here's the jacket that I own:

It also comes with a fleece lining.  I like it, but it's just a little snug in the arms so it gets hard to fit larger sweaters into it.  On top of that, there are a wealth of cute puffer jackets out there!  When I think about the length of jacket, I tend to lean toward jackets that don't go too far past the butt because I want my warm, waterproof boots to come up over my ankles.  Being a short girl, a long coat plus shin-height boots could easily make me appear way shorter than I am.

I've always been a fan of the fur-rimmed hood.  Canada Goose does an excellent fur-rimmed hood.  That's a fact.  See for yourself.

The Victoria Parka is fitted and the hood is perfectly furry!  It's really not that different from the Dunderdon coat, but it's just a little sleeker and less utilitarian looking.  They have it at Bloomingdales.com, but not in black.  The price tag here is much higher too...

If you're not really into the fur, RLX has a good option:

This jacket has that oil slick look which I think is really chic. Though it appears to be purple, it's actually listed as "Polo Black."

This jacket from Penfield is also cute and a little different with the toggles for buttons.

You'll notice that Moncler is clearly missing from my list of jackets, but for the price that those jackets are, they just can't be in this consideration set.  They're just down jackets!  Why are they almost $1,000 each?!  I just don't understand that.  Buy one of these jackets instead.